CITY The Animation, the highly anticipated anime adaptation of Keiichi Arawi’s popular manga, has quickly captivated audiences with its unique blend of surreal comedy and slice-of-life charm. Episode 5 plunges viewers into a whirlwind of simultaneous events, centering on Midori Nagumo’s unexpected predicament at the opulent Tanabe Mansion’s hospitality towers while the eccentric residents of City navigate their own equally bizarre daily lives.
The Surreal World of CITY The Animation
Before delving into the specifics of Episode 5, it’s essential to understand the foundation of CITY The Animation. The series is based on Keiichi Arawi’s manga CITY, which began serialization in Kodansha’s Morning magazine in September 2016. The anime adaptation, produced by the renowned Kyoto Animation, premiered on July 7, 2025, marking the studio’s first non-sequel project in six years and its second anime adapted from Arawi’s work after Nichijou.
The narrative of CITY revolves around the “bizarre and normal lives of the bizarre and normal people” inhabiting a fictional Japanese city. While the “Mont Blanc Trio” – consisting of penniless college student Midori Nagumo, Ayumu Niikura, and Wako Izumi – are often presented as protagonists, the series is characterized by its large and equally-focused cast of quirky characters. CITY has been praised for its whimsical comedy and is often considered a spiritual successor to Nichijou, known for its similar absurd humor and slice-of-life elements.
Episode 5: Nagumo’s Hospitality Tower Ordeal
Episode 5 of CITY The Animation picks up directly from the previous episode, thrusting Midori Nagumo into an unforeseen adventure. As a “reward” for catching Officer Tanabe’s umbrella, Nagumo finds herself transported via limousine to the Tanabe Mansion and invited into its lavish hospitality towers. However, this luxurious stay comes with a peculiar catch: Nagumo can only escape by completing “Game of Death-style challenges” on each floor of the tower.
High-Stakes Hospitality
Inside the towers, Nagumo unexpectedly encounters the “Nice Man” from previous episodes and, inexplicably, Wako Izumi. The trio is then dragged into a collective escape attempt from the peculiar challenges of the hospitality towers. As they descend through the floors, they face various “bosses,” who are comically defeated or surrender due to unexpected circumstances, adding to the series’ signature surreal humor. For instance, a magician’s own birds turn on him, and a karate master is unable to fight due to a broken arm.
A Multitude of Concurrent Narratives
What truly sets Episode 5 apart is Kyoto Animation’s masterful execution of simultaneous storylines, a hallmark of Arawi’s style. While Nagumo, the Nice Man, and Wako are navigating their escape, numerous other events unfold across the city:
- Niikura’s Locket Chase: Ayumu Niikura is seen pursuing her locket, which has been snatched by the cat Mimineko.
- Mimineko’s Hunters: Ecchan and Matsuri continue their hunt for Mimineko.
- Tsuchinoko Discovery: Tatewaku and his soccer team stumble upon the mythical and comical Tsuchinoko.
- Adatara Family Deliveries: The Adatara family is busy delivering beer to the very hospitality towers Nagumo is trying to escape.
- Additional Guests and Infiltrators: Other familiar faces, including the manga artist and editor, are invited to the tower, while Nagumo’s landlady infiltrates the premises to collect unpaid rent.
This intricate web of concurrent animations culminates in a grand, unified sequence where Nagumo and her companions escape the towers, emerging into a “massive party” just outside the Tanabe Mansion. This sequence is celebrated for its ability to capture the charm, scope, and sense of community that define CITY The Animation.
Emotional Depth and Quirky Revelations
Beyond the comedic chaos, Episode 5 also offers touches of character development and heartwarming revelations. It’s revealed that Niikura’s locket contains the first picture she ever took of Nagumo, a moment described as “adorable and queer-coded.” Viewers are also encouraged to watch the end credits, which feature a painting-stylized montage depicting a man presumed to be a Tanabe ancestor, embodying the family’s spirit of hospitality. In a truly unexpected and humorous twist, it is disclosed that a “frazzled Buddha” was responsible for the construction of the hospitality towers.
Episode 5 of CITY The Animation stands out as a testament to Kyoto Animation’s animation prowess and Keiichi Arawi’s unique storytelling, delivering a richly detailed and hilariously chaotic installment that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the series. The episode expertly weaves multiple narrative threads into a cohesive and satisfying experience, leaving viewers eager for what unpredictable adventures the residents of City will embark on next.
